BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Grange Hill favourite Sheard dies Grange Hill favourite Sheard dies Michael Sheard became a cult hero in Grange Hill and Star Wars Actor Michael Sheard, best known for playing teacher Mr Bronson in long-running children's TV drama Grange Hill in the 1980s, has died aged 65. Sheard gained wider fame as Admiral Ozzel in 1980 Star Wars film The Empire Strikes Back. His other films included Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade - one of a string of appearances as Adolf Hitler - and he was a regular guest in Doctor Who. His agent said he had cancer and died at home on the Isle of Wight. In Grange Hill, his stern manner and cries of "You, boy" as deputy head Maurice Bronson made him one of TV's most memorable figures. Michael Sheard played Adolf Hitler five times Born in Aberdeen, he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) in London before winning parts in TV shows such as Dixon of Dock Green and Crossroads. With a series of roles in Doctor Who spanning more than 20 years, he boasted that he starred alongside more Doctors than any other actor.

He was even touted as a potential Doctor himself. "Things got in the way," he told the BBC's Wiltshire website in 2003. "It would have been fun to do." In Star Wars, he was memorably choked by Darth Vader - and said George Lucas told him it was "the best screen death I've ever seen". At the time, Star Wars was "just another part in a very busy actor's career", he said, but it has secured him a place in the hearts of Star Wars fans and an Admiral Ozzel action figure came out last year. Michael Sheard played Mr Bronson from 1985-89 He regularly appeared at Star Wars, cult TV and 1980s-themed conventions and club nights. He played Hitler five times and Himmler three times - but said playing Goering's double in sitcom 'Allo 'Allo was his worst performance. Other film appearances included Raiders of the Lost Ark, All Quiet On The Western Front and The Dirty Dozen - Second Assignment. He appeared alongside Dame Peggy Ashcroft in 1980 TV movie Caught on a Train and said Escape to Athena with Roger Moore was his favourite role.

Moore wrote the foreword to the first of three autobiographies, Yes, Mr Bronson: Memoirs of a Bum Actor, published in 1997. Sheard once said he "wouldn't have missed dear old Bronson for anything". "He was scary, but as an actor Mr Bronson was a lovely part to play." Grange Hill's Mr Bronson dies at the age of 65 - Mirror Online Celebs Grange Hill's Mr Bronson dies at the age of 65 Actor Michael Sheard, known to millions of TV viewers as Grange Hill's scary teacher Mr Bronson, died yesterday aged 65. Share Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Actor Michael Sheard, known to millions of TV viewers as Grange Hill's scary teacher Mr Bronson, died yesterday aged 65. Sheard also played Admiral Ozzel in The Empire Strikes Back, in which he was choked to death by Darth Vader. Star Wars creator George Lucas reputedly called his screen death "the best ever".

Close friend Sir Roger Moore, who wrote the foreword to Sheard's 1997 autobiography Yes, Mr Bronson: Memoirs Of A Bum Actor, said: "I am incredibly sad. "Michael was larger than life - he described himself as a bum actor, yet he was anything but. "He brought a great sense of fun to any film set, and a great warmth. He will be greatly missed." Sheard, who trained at Rada, also played Adolf Hitler five times, most famously in Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade. He also played Josef Goebbels, Himmler three times and had a further two roles as officers of the Third Reich. He once joked: "I now feel like I've been playing Germans all my life. The irony is that my wife Ros is Jewish." But he is most fondly remembered for his role as Maurice Bronson, the softly spoken but super-strict deputy head who struck terror into the hearts of pupils with his cry of: "You, boy!" He first appeared in the role in 1985 and stayed on until 1989.

He later said: "I must have done something right because I can't walk down the street without people saying, 'Hello Mr Bronson'." Sheard died in the early hours of yesterday morning near his home on the Isle of Wight, after suffering from cancer. He leaves three grown-up children - two sons and a daughter. Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Most Read Most Recent Grange Hill (TV Series 1978–2008) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error The long running television series of the Grange Hill Comprehensive School, and the children's everyday lives. Stars: On his first day at Grange Hill, Ziggy asserts his authority over Imelda Davis. Ant Jones gets into an accelerated spiral of trouble with Mr. Bronson while Danny Kendall just goes back home. 9.3 Benny's keen on Football - trouble is, he doesn't have any football boots.... 8.4 The new comprehensive looks intimidating to Justin Bennett and Judy Preston.

Trisha Yates makes it clear that she's not putting up with any nonsense from Tucker Jenkins and Ann Wilson has some ... 7.9 a list of 46 titles created 09 Nov 2012 a list of 196 titles created 21 Sep 2013 a list of 27 titles created 03 Sep 2014 a list of 2446 titles created 27 Dec 2014 a list of 26 titles created 18 Sep 2015 Search for " Grange Hill " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Title: Grange Hill (1978–2008) 7.1/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. 4 wins & 6 nominations. See more awards » Photos Byker Grove follows the lives and relationships of a group of young people who are members of a youth club Stars: Daymon Britton, Billy Fane, Chris Beattie Popular British children's animation series, repeated almost constantly since 1971.

Mr Benn is the ordinary, bowler-hatted office worker who lives in the ordinary suburban street of Festive... See full summary » Stars: Ray Brooks Children's animation from the 'Smallfilms' team of Postgate and Firmin. In the 'top, left hand corner of Wales' runs an archaic railway line staffed by such characters as Jones the Steam ... See full summary » Stars: Olwen Griffiths, Anthony Jackson, Oliver Postgate A melancholic children's animation from the 'Smallfilms' team of Postgate and Firmin. Bagpuss and his friends are toys in a turn of the century shop for 'found things'. When young Emily ... See full summary » Stars: Oliver Postgate, Sandra Kerr, John Faulkner The Wombles (TV Series 1973) Animation | Family The misadventures of a fantasy folk community dedicated to cleaning up litter and put it to their own use. Stars: Bernard Cribbins, Dieter Hallervorden The true story of Sherwood Forest is finally revealed: Robin was a cowardly tailor from Kensington, and Marian was the brains behind the Merry Men. With her ruthless band of freedom ...

See full summary » Stars: Kate Lonergan, Adam Morris, Danny John-Jules Children's puppet programme featuring music and stories. Stars: Geoffrey Hayes, Roy Skelton, Stanley Bates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7.6/10 X A sequel, of sorts, to Camberwick Green but set in the larger, nearby town of Trumpton. Each episode opens with the town hall clock and ends with the fire brigade band playing. Every show tells the story of one of the townsfolk. Stars: Brian Cant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8.5/10 X A team of 6 contestants play a series of physical, mental, skill and mystery games across 4 themed zones gaining as many crystals as possible which determine how many seconds they get as they attempt to win a prize inside the Crystal Dome.

Stars: Richard O'Brien, Edward Tudor-Pole, Sandra Caron Legendary British children's animation of the early 70s made by the 'Smallfilms' team of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, this series chronicled the melancholically funny lives of the ... See full summary » Stars: Oliver Postgate This features toys which have been thrown in a factory reject bin but come to life and have adventures. This time though they are dolls and, rather than becoming superheroes and saving ... See full summary » Stars: Neil Innes Camberwick Green (TV Series 1966) Animation | Family Iconic British children's animated series set in the fictional, picturesque village of the title. Each episode opens with a character emerging from a music box and they will be the central character of the forthcoming story. Stars: Brian Cant 8 February 1978 (UK) See more » Filming Locations: Did You Know? Trivia According to his memoirs, future EastEnders (1985) star Shane Richie can be glimpsed swinging through a school fence in the opening episode.

See more » Crazy Credits Acting credits were always listed in a given order - teachers and school staff first, then other adult roles, followed by main cast pupils, followed by additional child roles. See more » Connections The best show for kids ever! 13 February 2005 | by british_tv_luva (United States) – See all my reviews Grange Hill never fails to entertain me. It has been running for many years but each year it just gets better! Well Done BBC!! Another great show from the BBC is Byker Grove which is set in Newcastle. Its truly great and is better for 13+ than younger kids while shows such as UBOS is definitely not for teens. Grange Hill always brings in great new characters each school year but some also leave as they reach sixth form. I have seen many great characters go but the BBC make up for this b bringing in some more fantastic people. However i feel Mersey Televiion have let us down this year as they have brought in some really poor actors and its not good watching! 2 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes Grange Hill's Mr Bronson dies | Education | The Guardian Grange Hill's Mr Bronson dies Staff and agencies Share on Messenger Close The actor Michael Sheard, known to millions as Grange Hill's scary teacher Mr Bronson, died today, aged 65. He had been suffering from cancer and died in the early hours near his home on the Isle of Wight, his agent said. Born in Aberdeen, Sheard studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) in London before winning parts in TV shows such as Dixon of Dock Green and Crossroads. With a series of roles in Doctor Who spanning more than 20 years, he boasted that he starred alongside more doctors than any other actor. Sheard's many film roles include Admiral Ozzel in The Empire Strikes Back. He also played Adolf Hitler five times, most famously in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. But he is best remembered for his role as Maurice Bronson, the strict deputy head who struck terror into the hearts of pupils. Sheard once said he "wouldn't have missed dear old Bronson for anything".

"He was scary, but as an actor Mr Bronson was a lovely part to play." Michael Sheard Scottish actor famed for his roles in Grange Hill, The Empire Strikes Back and The Last Crusade (From HeraldScotland) Jobs Business Directory Local Info Dating Buy Sell Book an Ad Michael Sheard Scottish actor famed for his roles in Grange Hill, The Empire Strikes Back and The Last Crusade MICHAEL Sheard, who played Admiral Ozzel in The Empire Strikes Back, Hitler in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, and the fearsome Mr Bronson on Grange Hill, died from cancer yesterday, on the Isle of Wight, where he lived. He was 67. On the big screen he worked with Spielberg and Lucas, Sean Connery and David Niven, but it was on television that he made the most indelible impression on a generation of young British viewers, as the deputy head in the hit series Grange Hill between 1985 and 1989. A disciplinarian, renowned for his bow-tie, toupee, chilly demeanour and a sense of humour by-pass, he struck terror into his quivering subjects with the catchphrase "You, Boy!".

It was latterly adopted as the name of the fanzine published by Sheard's appreciation society. Loading article content Sheard was best known to British viewers as Mr Bronson and to international audiences as Admiral Ozzel, but his resume is dominated by a series of militaristic Germans, from a junior officer in the PoW drama The McKenzie Break to the Fuhrer himself, portraying Hitler on film and television on no fewer than five occasions. Surprisingly, however, Sheard came from Aberdeen, where his father was a minister. He said his original name was Perkins and he adopted his mother's maiden name when he became an actor, though the family yesterday insisted he was born Michael Lawson Sheard, in Aberdeen, in 1938, two years earlier than the date listed in reference sources. He decided to become an actor after seeing the PoW film The Wooden Horse (1950) as a boy, appeared in school and church productions and trained at Rada, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, in London, during which time he seemingly lost his Scottish accent. For National Service he joined the RAF and his confident manner and speaking voice led to his casting in the role of camp telephonist.

By the mid-1960s he was making regular appearances on television, often playing a policeman or other authority figure. He turned up on such popular television series as Dixon of Dock Green, The Likely Lads and Doctor Who, on which he had several different roles over the years, and made his film debut in The McKenzie Break in 1970. More German roles followed, on television as Himmler to Frank Finlay's Hitler in The Death of Adolf Hitler (1973), and in the films England Made Me (1973), Force 10 from Navarone (1978), the first of four films with Harrison Ford, The Riddle of the Sands and Escape to Athena (both 1979). He was a U-Boat captain in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), the German construction site boss Herr Grunwald on the first series of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (1983-84) and Goering's double in 'Allo, 'Allo (1992). But it was Hitler himself who was to provide Sheard with an almost regular source of income.

He agreed to play the Nazi dictator only after discussing it with his wife, Ros, who was of Jewish descent, and went on to portray him in Rogue Male (1976), the sci-fi series The Tomorrow People (1978), The Dirty Dozen: The Next Mission (1985), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and Hitler of the Andes (2003), a dramatisation based on FBI files of how Hitler might have escaped to South America. The part of Admiral Ozzel secured him an international cult following among Star Wars fans. He played Darth Vader's admiral in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), but a tactical mistake provoked the wrath of his master, who strangled him using the Force. Sheard said that, for him, it was just another job, but he felt pressurised into taking it by his children. He was especially proud of his death scene and told one interviewer: "George (Lucas) came up to me and said, 'You gave me the biggest laugh.

You died brilliantly', and funnily enough everybody says the same." Apart from Hitler, his longest-running role, and probably his most successful, was that of Maurice "Charlie" Bronson on Grange Hill. The series had been conceived as a sort of children's soap opera, showing school life in a new and realistic way and confronting serious issues as an adult soap would. Sheard joined the cast in 1985 and it was during his years that Grange Hill famously engaged with the question of juvenile drug use, when the popular character Zammo became addicted to heroin. It may well be that Hitler was the perfect preparation for the classroom dictator that struck a chord with many viewers. "He was scary, but as an actor Mr Bronson was a lovely part to play, " Sheard told one interviewer. Sheard himself contributed to the look of the wellgroomed bully. "Mr Bronson was a dinosaur and when we were discussing what he would wear, I felt that he would always be smartly dressed and thought that a bow-tie would finish off the ensemble." The chilly, or chilling, exterior masked a hunger for power and ultimately a thwarted ambition.

"He always wanted to be the headmaster but that was never to happen, the part was much better with him wanting it, " said Sheard. In recent years Sheard wrote four volumes of memoirs and was a regular guest at fan conventions. He is survived by his wife and three children. Michael Sheard, actor; Michael Sheard Michael Sheard You can buy Star Wars Costumes here. You'll probably best know Michael Sheard as the actor who played Admiral Ozzel in The Empire Strikes Back, or you might remember the cameo he had in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as Adolf Hitler. Those of you who are British might also know him as Mr. Bronson from the television series Grange Hill. He also had many parts you might recognize him in: Charlie in High Road to China, Bauer in Force 10 From Navarone (with Harrison Ford), and besides that, he's played Adolf Hitler about a dozen times on television and in cinema. More recently, he has written a book about his acting life, entitled 'Yes, Mr Bronson: Memoirs of a Bum Actor'. It discusses just about all the parts he's had in his life.

Currently, he is writing a second book that will be more about his part in Empire Strikes Back as Admiral Ozzel, and about the convention appearances he has made recently. Michael Sheard was very friendly throughout all the letters we've written. I have put two addresses at the bottom - one where you can write him, and one where you can purchase his book. You'll find more details below! Michael's Filmography -Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) (uncredited) .... Adolf Hitler -Dirty Dozen: The Next Mission, The (1985) (TV) .... Hitler -High Road to China (1983) .... Charlie -Green Ice (1981) .... Jaap -Empire Strikes Back, The (1980) .... Admiral Ozzel -Caught on a Train (1980) (TV) .... Preston -All Quiet on the Western Front (1979) (TV) .... Paul's Father -Escape to Athena (1979) -Riddle of the Sands, The (1979) .... Boehme -Miserables, Les (1978) (TV) ....

Commissary -Force 10 from Navarone (1978) .... Bauer -"Lillie" (1978) (mini) TV Series .... Colonel Hertzl -"Grange Hill" (1977) TV Series .... Mr. Maurice Bronson -Rogue Male (1976) (TV) .... Adolf Hitler -England Made Me (1973) .... Fromm -Darwin Adventure, The (1972) .... First Man -McKenzie Break, The (1970) ....

Ingenieur-Offizier Unger -"Doctor Who" (1963) playing "Headmaster" in episode: "Remembrance of the Daleks" (episode # 25.1) 1988 -"Doctor Who" (1963) playing "Mergrave" in episode: "Castrovalva" (episode # 19.1) 1981 -"Tomorrow People, The" (1973) playing "Hitler" in episode: "Hitler's Last Secret" 1977 -"Doctor Who" (1963) playing "Supervisor Lowe" in episode: "Invisible Enemy, The" (episode # 15.2) 1977 -"Space: 1999" (1975) playing "Dr.

Darwin King" in episode: "Dragon's Domain" 1975 -"Doctor Who" (1963) playing "Laurence Scarman" in episode: "Pyramids of Mars" (episode # 13.3) 1975 -"Persuaders, The" (1971) playing "Walden" in episode: "Home of One's Own, A" (episode # 16) 12/31/1971 -"Doctor Who" (1963) playing "Dr. Summers" in episode: "Mind of Evil, The" (episode # 8.2) 1971 -"Doctor Who" (1963) playing "Rhos" in episode: "Ark, The" (episode # 3.6) 1966 -"'Allo 'Allo" (1984) playing "Herman Goering double" -"Blake's 7" (1978) This list isn't complete, because Michael mentioned that he also was in Raiders of the Lost Ark, among others. And now, for the interview: Q.

How did you get the part of Admiral Ozzel in Empire Strikes Back? What process did you go through? A. The casting director asked my agent if I'd like to meet the director. I did, we had a chat and I was offered the part. I was pleased that it was not larger as it fitted very nicely between two other engagements. Q. Had you seen Star Wars: A New Hope before you were hired to be in Empire? A. Yes. We lived just outside Guildford in Surrey then and walked into the city along the river and took the children to see it as a surprise. Q. How do you feel about being part of one of the most popular and successful movies ever? A. I enjoy doing conventions and meeting people and I enjoy the fact that I was in the movie. But, certainly at the time, it was just another part in a very busy actor's career. I've done more than 800 TVs and 38 movies. Q. In Empire, Darth Vader choked you using the Force. Did you have to practice being choked a lot? A. No. And I did it in one take! Q. What did you think of the recently released 'Empire Strikes Back Special Edition'? A.

Great. The premier of 'Star Wars' in London - my wife and I were guests of George Lucas - was excellent. Q. What was it like working with Dave Prowse, George Lucas, and Irvin Kerschner? A. Nice guys, very professional. I do a lot of conventions with Dave of course. Irvin - George's tutor at college I believe - was damn good. Q. How many days of shooting were there for you in Empire, and also for Last Crusade? A. I honestly can't remember. I think each contract lasted about a month. Q. About how many people were there on the sets of both movies (cast and crew)? A. Oh Lord! All told there must have been something like two hundred. On Last Crusade, more. There were all those soldiers. Q. How did you feel about the final outcome of the film, and what did you think of it's sequel, Return of the Jedi? A. I think that they are very good adventure films which I must see again sometime. Then I'll tell you what I think of the ending and the sequel. I do know that George's favourite is 'Empire', he told me so. Q. You played Hitler MANY times.

Why have you played him so many times? Do you know a lot about him? A. I think it's four or five, although one turned out to be a green blob from outer space. If I like a script, I'll play the part! My son, who's a history teacher, knows far more about the second world war than I do. But I've researched, too. Q. Were there any scenes in Empire or Last Crusade that you were involved in that were cut? A. No. But there were some that were never shot in 'Raiders'! Q. You had a small cameo as Adolf Hitler in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and you also co-starred with Harrison Ford in Force Ten from Navarone. What was it like working with him? A. I was also in 'Empire' with him, remember, and I was in the first Indy film. (Read my book to learn more!) So what's that? Four times. He's a nice guy and a professional. It was a pleasure to work with him, and play. We were in what was then Yugoslavia making 'Force Ten' for almost three months and had many an enjoyable meal after filming. Q.

In Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first Indiana Jones movie, there was a scene with Hitler that was cut from the final version. Did you play Hitler in this scene, too? A. No. But as I said I was in the film! Q . Your book (which I haven't read yet) is titled: 'Yes, Mr. Bronson: Memoirs of a Bum Actor'. Why do you refer to yourself as a 'bum actor'? Also, it contains a foreword by Roger Moore. Is that THE Roger Moore, a.k.a. James Bond? Finally, I assume 'yes, Mr. Bronson' refers to your years on the children's series 'Grange Hill', and since you named your book after it, are you most famous for that part, as schoolteacher Mr. Bronson? A. I would have thought you'd know that. Bum as in your (the American) use of the word. In the middle ages actors were perceived as roving rogues and vagabonds, strolling players, wandering from village to village. Bums. Lord Laurence Olivier in fact always referred to us thus. 'We're all rogues and bums, dear boy'.

Yes, certainly, there is only one Roger Moore. I've worked with him lots of times and he's a pal. 'Grange Hill' played, still plays, a big part in my life and I'm certainly recognised as Mr Bronson. It was a great part and I was excellent! But so I am in everything I play of course and I'm often recognised for 'Dr. Who', (I've worked with more Doctors than any other actor), 'Auf Wiedersehen Pet', (have you seen that over there?), 'Colditz'.... I really could go on and on. Thank heavens! Q. What motivated you to write this book? A. I'd always thought I had a book in me, but it was not until the publishers approached me and said they wanted a book about the business from a different angle, from a working actor's point of view, that I buckled down. I loved doing it. It took me about four years, tapping away between engagements and I'm thrilled that it's been so well received - not one bad review. Indeed, the publishers are so delighted that they've asked me to do another. This one will be published, all being well, when the next 'Star Wars' film opens here.

Why? Because it will concentrate far more on all my 'Star Wars' chums. Q. I looked up your filmography on the Internet Movie Database, and it mentions that you haven't been in any movies or television programs since 1989 (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). What have you been doing since then? A. I've been mostly doing a series in Germany and directing for the past six years or so. But I have two movies and a new Sci-Fi series, 'First Frontier', coming up. Q. Many Star Wars actors have been touring conventions in the UK and the United States the last few years, selling autographs, giving presentations, and mingling with the fans. Have you appeared at any, or will you appear at any in the future? A. I've mentioned this already. I do as many as my schedule will allow - I'm still very much a working actor. I am one of 'Icons' band of celebrities in the United States and get over when I can. The new book will concentrate on the convention scene, too. Q. Finally, of all the movies and television shows you have been in what has been your favorite, or the most memorable one? A. Honesty time!

I've enjoyed everything I've done. So in order to give an answer I must take everything about the job into account. The cast, the part certainly, the location, the crew, etc. And no my reply is not 'Empire' but 'Escape to Athena' which I made on Rhodes with Roger and a host of other great stars, including the dear man David Niven. (ed. note - stars included in the film are: Roger Moore, David Niven, Telly Savalas, Stefanie Powers, Richard Roundtree, Elliott Gould, and Sonny Bono) Thanks to Michael Sheard for taking the time to do this interview! Please do not use any parts of this interview without consent from me , as I don't want to see excerpts appearing all over the web :) If you would like to write Michael Sheard to request an autograph or ask him a question, you can do so at the following address: Michael Sheard c/o The Narrow Road Company, 21/22, Poland Street, LONDON. W1V 3DD. UK. You will need to include at least two International Reply Coupons (IRCs) for a reply.

IRCs are available at your local post office, and they are $1.05 each (US). If you live in the UK, just a self-addressed stamped envelope will do. If you would like a big signed photograph, send $7.00. If you would like to purchase the book signed by Michael Sheard himself, (It's a great read) send just $15.00 (this price includes P&P) to: Summersdale Publishers, 46, West Street, CHICHESTER. PO19 1RP. UK. Don't forget to mention that you'd like the book 'Yes, Mr. Bronson: Memoirs of a Bum Actor' by Michael Sheard, since the company also carries other books :) As soon as I get my copy, I will scan the cover and post it here. I might also note that the book has a foreword by none other than Michael's good friend Roger Moore (James Bond)! BBC NEWS | Have Your Say | Michael Sheard: Your reaction Michael Sheard: Your reaction Actor Michael Sheard, who tormented scores of pupils as Grange Hill's Mr Bronson, has died aged 65.

His agent said he had been suffering from cancer and died at home on the Isle of Wight. As well as his role on Grange Hill, Sheard appeared in several movies, including The Empire Strikes Back and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. What are your memories of Michael Sheard? This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below. Your comments: He had us in hysterics and awe talking about his career in the industry Chris Gordon, Prestatyn, North Wales This is truly sad news. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael 2 or 3 years ago whilst filming a WWII documentary where I was an extra. I have fond memories of staying up late in the evenings enjoying a meal and some drinks with him, whilst he had us in hysterics and awe talking about his career in the industry. On set, I remember him being the consummate professional, and amusing and courteous. He did tell us too that actors would be nothing without the support of fans, which us why he regarded them so highly. A truly great man, he was Grange Hill when I was growing up, and he will be sorely missed, however his legend and spirit will always live on. RIP.

Chris Gordon, Prestatyn, North Wales I met Michael Sheard at a few Doctor Who conventions and he was always a joy to talk to and great fun. He seemed to have amazing energy. I will greatly miss him. David, London I remember growing up in the UK on Grange Hill moments. His presence as a character anchored the entire Grange Hill show. He was the reason naughtiness had a price. He was a huge part of why it worked so well. Francis Shephard, Adelaide, Australia I met Michael a couple of times at Doctor Who conventions and he really was a great bloke. Always laughing and smiling, his booming voice will be missed by his many fans. My sympathies to his family and friends. Simon Holden, Brierley Hill I met Michael Sheard a couple of times here in Glasgow. He had more energy and spirit than most people half his age! His coffee mornings were legendary (with not much coffee present). Always had a wicked twinkle in his eye, a laugh and a kind word for his fans. One of the best Doctor Who guest actors - the new series won't be the same without him. He will be sorely missed.

Alan Collinson, Glasgow I met Michael about 6 years ago at a book signing in Fareham in WH Smiths. We had a very long chat about his career, life on Grange Hill and of course George Lucas. I can honestly say that meeting this man was an honour and someone I will never forget. I send my best wishes to his family at this sad time, he will never be forgotten! Alun Kemp, Lee-On-The Solent, UK He was always friendly, always ready for a laugh Nick Cook, Dundee I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Sheard in Glasgow on a couple of occasions. He was always friendly, always ready for a laugh. The most endearing image I have of him is standing on a chair dancing to School's Out For Summer. A class act, who was never too good to mix with his fans. Nick Cook, Dundee Michael Sheard was Grange Hill - Love to his family. He will be missed. Wendy Garde, Camberley Surrey I'm sad to hear he's passed away. A great actor who scared the living daylights out of me as Mr Bronson especially he was in it at around the time I started High School!

Doctor Who will not be the same without him! Simon McCombe, Bristol, England Having met Michael twice, while working in his agent's office, I can honestly say he was a polite and jovial character who worked hard and enjoyed everything he did. Stephen Brennan, Lincoln Michael Sheard was a fantastic man. Sci-fi conventions shall never be the same again. He will be sorely missed by everyone. Maria Larkin, Bridgend, South Wales The force will be with you. Always. Michael Griffin, Cambridge, UK I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at a Dr Who event several years ago. He was a terrific fellow. I will always remember the pub lunch we had together with a few of the Dr Who fans (and our late baguettes). He'll be much missed by all. Dean Westray, Dagenham, Essex Feeling truly gut-punched Lee Grice, Hednesford, Staffs Feeling truly gut-punched. I'm hard-pressed to think of another actor who embraced the fans/convention circuit with the gusto that Michael Sheard did. The thought that the new Doctor Who series will never be graced with a Sheard guest villain appearance genuinely brings a tear to my eye.

Deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Lee Grice, Hednesford, Staffs Grange Hill will never be the same without him. We'll miss the always comical toupee! Darren Ewen, Swindon, England I remember watching Mr. Sheard on various Doctor Who episodes and I was privileged to meet him at a very small sci-fi and beanie baby fair in Fareham, Hampshire a few years ago and he was a very nice man. He laughed when I told him I watched Doctor Who but couldn't identify all the stories he was in! I brought a signed CD on which he had appeared and I was brought three of his autographical books, each with a personal message in. Rest in peace. Patrick Furlong, Gosport , England Had the pleasure of meeting Michael when he appeared as Bronson at a 'School Disco' theme night at Aston Uni in 2003. He was up for anything, liked a drink and held me spellbound for hours with his tales of the TV and movie industry. Top bloke. Lee Churchill, Birmingham Michael was a top bloke and I met him during his role as the president of The Exewing Fundraisers Star Wars Conventions In Honiton.

Really Genuine Guy and he will be missed by a generation of Star Wars fans. My thoughts are with his family. Norman Cooke, Poole, Dorset. England He played perfectly the "scary teacher" that prowled every school! Matt Crawford, London, England I was on a train coming back from London about a year ago and I saw him. I was still too scared to go and ask for an autograph! Scott, Gosport, Hampshire Always the life and soul of the party Keith Underhilll I met him a number of times at conventions. He was a genuinely nice man and was always the life and soul of the party. Outlasting many much younger than him. He will be greatly missed. Keith Underhilll Michael was a top pro all the way through. I was there to record a video interview with him back in '99 and he was wonderful. There won't be another like Michael. Cheers for all the memories you gave us be they Grange Hill, Doctor Who or wherever. Martin Hearn, Kendal, Cumbria I knew Michael from several shows and conventions throughout the world.

I met him last at the Cellebration in the USA, and he was planned as a guest at my own convention in Holland. Michael was a dear friend, I enjoyed his company a lot. I wish his family all the best, they lost a great man! Pieter Soet, Hillegom, The Netherlands I had the honour of meeting Michael once, he was a lovely man and he'll be sorely missed. A J Summersgill, Basingstoke, UK Michael Sheard had that uncanny knack of being able to play the most frightful characters on screen whilst being a true gentleman in real life. Ian Abrahams, Redruth, Cornwall We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends Sylvia Cox, Memphis, TN, USA Michael has visited Memphis TN several times in recent years, as a guest at our annual SF convention, MIDSOUTHCON. Michael was one of the friendliest, kindest, funniest, most memorable and loved guests we have ever had the pleasure to meet and know. His loss is such a shock - All of us on the convention committee are so very sorry that he is gone and we send our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.

Sylvia Cox, Memphis, TN, USA I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Sheard twice. He was as eccentric as you like, a real laugh and someone who gave a lot of energy to his fans. I'll miss him, and will fondly remember him leading a load of us on a dance floor to 'School's Out for Summer'. Jeremy Griffiths, London, UK Michael Sheard was a guest at a local convention, CONvergence. He contributed far beyond the notoriety of his acting roles. He was so loved that he was brought back a second time. Beyond Sheard's work as an actor he was also warm, witty and dignified as a person. I am truly saddened at his passing. Too dear a man to leave us so soon. J. Manna, Twin Cities, USA As much as I remember him as Mr Bronson in Grange Hill, he also played a small but significant part in the first Auf Wiedersehn Pet as Herr Grunwald. What a sad loss to the television and film world. Sarah Keiper, Brentwood, Essex He'll always be the scariest teacher ever to grace our screens. Who could forget that comic toupee? We'll miss him.

Sam Raven, London, England. I was only ever in fear of one teacher in my school days - Mr Bronson. I still have flashbacks when I hear 'you, boy!' Leon Jevons, Cannock, Staffs You will be greatly missed, Admiral Ozzel Edwin, Pwllheli, Wales You knew where you stood with Mr Bronson - usually in the corridor or outside his office! A fine actor playing a true-to-life character, the type of which we need more of in our schools today. Jon, UK I will always remember Mr Bronson as the major factor in me dreading going to high school. A part he played so well I was to meet several Mr Bronsons throughout school education. Rob, Salford Another key childhood idol has gone. I saw the man at a convention a couple of years back and it's amazing how star struck seeing Mr Bronson can make you. All the best. Dan Smith, Evesham What sad news, to Grange Hill fans he was our "after school" headmaster. Powerful, frightening and commanded respect. His presence as Mr Bronson certainly jumped through the screen. Rest in Peace.

Robert Jervis, Never received the recognition he deserved, but for anyone aged 32-35, Mr Bronson was terrifying, but not only that, Mr Bronson was in Star Wars as well!!! David, London I bet the first thing he'll say on meeting God will be 'You, boy'. John, Hastings We are deeply saddened to hear this news. Meeting Michael at 'A Galaxy Of Stars' event in April, Michael was full of life and one of the most warm, friendly stars you could ever meet. Michael will never be forgotten, not just for his Star Wars role and Grange Hill but as a larger than life character. God Bless you Michael. Our thoughts go to all his family. Jason Smith, Weston-Super-Mare So Michael Sheard has passed away. Yes, I did recognise him for playing Mr Bronson in Grange Hill but I will most remember him for his regular appearances in Dr Who. He was brilliant in Pyramids of Mars as he was in all the episodes he appeared in. Sad to see the loss of such a fine actor. Michael, you will be missed.

Chrissie Mason, Blackpool, England Top Bloke.Genuinely nice person, always going above and beyond the call of duty, & entertaining to boot! He will be missed. Neil & Magz (from the Gaming Con circuit) Neil & Magz Wiseman, Aberdeen, Scotland Michael Sheard will be sorly missed by the entire generation who grew up with the Grange Hill set. His untimely death has robbed us of his undoubted talent in later years. Eddie Espie, Cookstown A classic characterisation for Grange Hill watchers of my generation.Big shock,as I only heard him speaking on the radio the other week. A Sad loss but Michael leaves us the legacy of a body of fine work. Emalyse, Bedfordshire What a terrible shame - I had met him at a Star Wars convention where I found him to be the perfect gentleman - he will be fondly remembered and dearly missed. Ratty, I can never forgive him for the way he treated Danny Kendall. Jim Daly, Belfast I bet the first thing he'll say on meeting God will be "You, boy". R.I.P, Michael & God bless you - always.

John Hastings, Cumbria To me his most memorable performance was as a Number 2 in the Prisoner. Richard, London As scary a teacher and sinister imperial officer as you'd hope to meet! Steven Hargraves, Liverpool Sheard's Mr Bronson was Grange Hill. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy when he was interviewed, always laughing. Mike, London What a great TV villain - a psychotic French Teacher! All together now "YOU BOY!!!!". Thanks Michael. Matthew, Maidenhead, UK This man was throttled on screen more times than any other actor of his generation - he was strangled by a mummy in Dr Who and digested by an alien monster in Space 1999. a fantastic TV actor...they don't produce them like this anymore Anon, London A top bloke - he was a regular at conventions for years and I met him at GenCon a number of times. Always friendly, happy to let you buy him a drink, and willing to muck in and help out with any event no matter how ridiculous. David , London A truly great actor - none the less so for being unsung.

Angshu Bhowmik, London Michael - you've been a dear friend to me over the years and it was an honor to be of service to you, providing Michaelsheard.com to the public. I will miss you dearly. Lou. Lou (T-bone) Tambone, West Paterson, NJ USA As scary a teacher and sinister imperial officer as you'd hope to meet! Steven Hargraves, Liverpool, UK What a legend! I often watched Grange Hill in the 80s with my grandson - and he was terrified of him! If only more modern day teachers shared his sense of strictness and discipline! Bill Stitt, Edinburgh

Question: Actor Michael Sheard played which feared teacher in "Grange Hill"?
Answer: Mr. Bronson